Irresistible Chilli Paneer Recipe: Crispy, Spicy, and Full of Flavor

Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines crispy paneer cubes with a flavorful, spicy sauce. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The crispy texture of the paneer paired with the rich, savory sauce makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Here’s a simple recipe to make this mouth-watering dish at home.

Ingredients:

For the Paneer:

• 250g paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil for deep frying

For the Chilli Paneer Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (capsicum), chopped into strips
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon red chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup water or vegetable stock
• 1/2 teaspoon cornflour (optional, to thicken the sauce)
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Paneer

1. Coat the Paneer: In a mixing bowl, combine cornflour, all-purpose flour, black pepper powder, ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of salt. Add water little by little to make a smooth batter. The batter should not be too thick or too runny—just enough to coat the paneer cubes evenly.
2. Fry the Paneer: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, dip each paneer cube into the batter and fry until golden and crispy. Remove the fried paneer cubes and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and green chilies. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crunchy.
2. Make the Sauce: Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute. Then, add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Water or Stock: Pour in the water or vegetable stock and bring the sauce to a simmer. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of cornflour in water and add it to the sauce, stirring until it thickens.

Step 3: Combine the Paneer with Sauce

1. Mix the Paneer: Once the sauce has thickened and is bubbling, gently add the fried paneer cubes to the sauce. Toss everything together carefully so that the paneer gets evenly coated in the spicy sauce.
2. Final Touches: Add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors, and check for salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the paneer soaks up the sauce.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Serve Hot: Serve your Chilli Paneer immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a delicious meal.

Tips for the Perfect Chilli Paneer:

• Fry Paneer Crisply: Make sure the paneer cubes are fried until golden and crisp for the best texture in the dish.
• Adjust Spice Levels: You can adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing the number of green chilies or chili sauce as per your preference.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always use fresh vegetables and sauces.

Chilli Paneer is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be customized to suit your spice preferences. With its perfect balance of crispy paneer and tangy, spicy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this delicious dish as a starter or pair it with your favorite main course for a complete meal!